acute leukemias

ACUTE LEUKEMIAS

This is a type of malignant neoplastic diseases that have a rapid onset characterized by fast appearing symptoms with quick progress of illness. There are two types of acute leukemias; acute myeloid leukemia, and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. They have similarities in symptoms that may include:



  • Symptoms of anemia -like tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath on exertion 
  • Repeated infection
  • Bruising and bleeding easily
  •  Lymph node enlargement
  • Hepatomegaly
  •  Splenomegaly  


Investigations

The definitive diagnosis is made on the basis of a peripheral blood film and a bone marrow aspirate.
Other tests that may be done include

  •       Cytogenetic(chromosome) analysis
  •       Immunophenotyping of leukemic blast cells
If the patient has fevers, blood cultures and chest x-rays are essential.


Findings


  •      Blood count shows a low hemoglobin (HB) and a raised white cell count (may sometimes be decreased or just normal). the platelet count is low
  •      Peripheral blood film shows characteristic leukemic blast cells
  •      Bone marrow aspirate shows increased cellularity with abnormal lymphoid or myeloid blast cells.

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